FROM THE PURPLE SKIES

I remember a year ago I received the name of this Italian band as a result of my forum request on finding a URIAH HEEP/DEEP PURPLE-related NEW band. A year passed, I’ve found their album and I’m shocked!!! This is the best presence a fan of 70s Hard Prog can make to himself!

I must say this is the best album from this Spring I heard so far. Imagine TRUE old 70s sound and manner, a-la URIAH HEEP, DEEP PURPLE, BLACK SABBATH, LED ZEPPELIN, even JETHRO TULL and PINK FLOYD! Also related bands are 2066 AND THEN, KHAN, IRON BUTTERFLY, BIGELF etc. Awesome mixture of genres, which is usual for early 70s but pretty rare in our pragmatic days. Good Lord, I love those times, though I was born much later.

The album lasts for 78 minutes, and personally I see it as a 2LP (6 tracks vs. 4 tracks). These guys have both atmospheric and rocky parts in their long songs, they even covered UH’s “Gypsy” – and I prefer it to original so far!!! Closing “Return to Uranus” 18- min long epic is the most psychedelic stuff here, THE DOORS-related at times, but it’s mostly heavy, u’know ;) . Amazingly melodic (though riffy), brilliantly played and recorded, album has LOADS of analogue instruments (lovely fuzzy Lordish/Henslish Hammond!). And the band themselves are analogue! I mean I expected sissy boys with hair cut short in booklet (like some Retro-Prog bands look), but hella no! They are extremely hairy and posing in almost SABBATHish scenery and clothes! I like bands WITH appropriate image, and WICKED MINDS are brilliant in all aspects. Now I want their DVD!!!

Don’t even try to explain your doubts now. Don’t make this album even more overlooked, it’s a shame!!! Write or call to BLACK WIDOW label, purchase “From the Purple Skies” and welcome back to 70s!!! Utterly recommended and not be missed! A Must for every fan of good old days!